Poem ~ Loneliness - be still

Loneliness – be still

                        by Marilyn Monroe in 1955

So-o-o-o-o many lights in the darkness

making skeletons of buildings

and life in the streets.

And the moon so full and dark.

What was it I thought about yesterday

in the streets?

It seems so far away –

long ago.

It’s good they told me what the moon was

when I was a child

for I could not understand it now.

Noises of impatience from cab drivers,

always driving – who  must drive –

hot, dusty, icy streets so they can eat,

and perhaps save for a vacation

in which they can drive their wives

all the way across the country

to see her relations.

Then the river – the part made of Pepsi Cola –

the park – thank God for the park.

Yet, I am not looking at these things.

I’m looking for my lover.

That silent river which stirs and swells itself

with whatever passes over it –

wind, rain, great ships.

I love the river –

never unmoved by anything.

Sad, sweet trees - 

I wish for you - rest

but you must be wakeful.

You must suffer

when your covering of dark golden –

even dead – leaves leave you strong and naked.

You must be –

alive – when looking dead.

Straight through

bent with wind

and bear the pain and joy

of newness on your limbs.

It’s quiet now.

And the silence is alone

except for the thunderous rumbling

of things unknown,

distant drums very present

but for the sharp sounds of piercing screams

and the whispers of things suddenly hushed

to moans beyond sadness – terror beyond fear.

The cry of things dim and too young to be known yet.

The sobs of life itself.

Loneliness – be still.